2 Down & 2 To Go!

Since last I wrote, David has made it to the halfway point of his radiation therapy treatments & we spent a few days enjoying the beauty of Yosemite before treatment began.  First, let me tell you about our trip to Yosemite.  We hit a perfect weather window (sunny skies & daytime temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s), the park wasn't yet bursting at the seams (there were many visitors from European countries & China, but not too many visitors from within the United States), the dogwoods were in bloom, & the waterfalls were spectacular thanks to the nice snow & rainfall that the region received this past winter.  We covered as much of the park that was open, took lots of photos (a few posted below), walked much of the valley floor, picnicked in green meadows as we watched climbers scale El Capitan, hiked a couple of the more popular & beautiful trails in the park, & got up close to two different bobcats in one day!!  It was a wonderful trip & it did just what we needed it to do -- fill our souls so we could come back strong to do battle!

Half Dome over our heads with Nevada & Vernal Falls over Janet's shoulder.

Hiking among the giant sequoias in Nelder Grove.

On the huge granite slabs atop of Nevada Falls after hiking up the Mist Trail.

On our way down the John Muir Trail with Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, & the backside of Half Dome behind us.

This past week David completed two of his four stereotactic radiation therapy treatments.  When he had radiation therapy in September of 2013 for his pancreatic mass, he received about 200 rads per treatment, with a total of 25 treatments, & each treatment took about 5 to 10 minutes.  This time he is receiving about 1400 rads per treatment, with a total of 4 treatments, & each treatment taking about 45 minutes.  He has noted that he feels generally "blah" (I guess how you feel just before you come down with a cold or the flu -- just not your normal, perky self), is more fatigued (he & Milli have been taking some naps together!), & has a sore chest in the area of treatment (says he feels like someone has punched him in the chest).  He has slowed down a little bit in the pool on his morning swims & we were a little slower on our regular Saturday jog this morning, but he is still exercising every day!  I think he is completely amazing!!

I'll post another entry next week after David has completed treatment.  Until then, we thank you for your continued support & caring -- means so much to us!!  

Much love, Janet